Trunks seem to evolve into random junk drawers filled with items like leftover shopping bags, loose shoes and fast-food napkins that serve little purpose when you actually need them. But wise drivers proactively utilize cargo space to organize an arsenal of essential tools and supplies in one centralized spot tailored for handling common roadside emergencies and other situations.
Emergency Gear
Odds are if you break down, it will happen when you least expect it and likely be at night, far from home, in bad weather. Packing your trunk disaster-ready delivers confidence to tackle unforeseen issues. Start with core emergency equipment.
- Jumper Cables: Cheap insurance against battery death, cables reach 12- or 24-volt systems on cars, trucks, or SUVs to transfer juice for starting in seconds. Go heavy-duty 10-12-foot length for access. Check clamps and insulation integrity regularly.
- Portable Jump Starter: For more independence without relying on Good Samaritans, compact 12- or 24v jump starters provide up to twenty jump starts on extended life lithium batteries. The people at Clore Automotive say that units can also charge smartphones, tablets, laptops and equipment. Some feature built-in lights, compressors and USB power.
- Reflective Triangles: Warn other drivers up to a half mile away of breakdown spot dangers with highly reflective triangles placed at least 30 feet behind the vehicle on the shoulder or road edge for safety.
- Safety Vest: Don a safety vest when exiting the vehicle to instantly boost visibility, preventing tragic accidents in low light, fog or rush hour.
- First Aid Supplies: Handle minor medical mishaps with adhesive bandages, gauze pads/wraps, antiseptic wipes, hydrocortisone cream, medical tape, tweezers, trauma shears, face mask/shield and disposable gloves.
- Duct Tape: The handyman’s secret weapon, duct tape temporarily patches leaking hoses, seals cracked windows, secures makeshift cords and splints wobbly parts until permanent garage fixes.
- Spare Phone Charger: Modern phones die fast. Pack a universal USB car phone charger compatible with both older and newer model devices so you maintain access and can get help when in sketchy locations with a dead device.
Essentials for Common Hassles
Be ready for nuisance issues like light burnouts, parking lot pings or messy passengers with handy helpers.
- Spare Head/Tail Bulbs: DIY bulb swaps prevent getting pulled over just for driving legally with working lights when one inevitably gives out. Basic hand tools allow most bulb replacements in minutes.
- Touch Up Paint Pen: Instantly disguise ugly parking lot paint scratches and rust spots on fenders/doors to prevent further damage vulnerability until thorough body shop repairs using this all-in-one enameled lacquer pen that color matches factory hues via a universal sampler palette built into each cap.
- Car Cleaning Wipes: Quickly handle spills and grime buildup on dashboards, door panels and seats that come from daily use or finicky kids in the backseat with ammonia/alcohol-free disinfecting wipes that restore interiors between full detailing sessions.
- Paper Towels: Soak up spills, wipe faces, clean messes, check fluid levels and more using ultra absorbent yet strong paper towels that handle tough automotive grime easily.
- Garbage Bags: Contain trash neatly until your next gas station visit while keeping interiors clean using leak-proof durable plastic bags with handy twist tie closures.
Conclusion
Don’t get caught empty-handed when issues arise on the go. Keeping your trunk prepared for common troubles not only provides peace of mind but can also be a lifesaver in dire situations until help arrives. Begin assembling your customized emergency/hassle kit today. Check contents and replace expired items seasonally when switching between winter/summer tires so you have what you need when you need it. Stay in driver’s seat control on the roadways with a portable toolbox ready to handle the unpredictability that driving delivers.